Upcoming Trade Shows in Italy for Health

Italy is on the cusp of a significant transformation driven by post-COVID recovery efforts and a renewed focus on digital innovation in its health industry. The country’s healthcare model, rooted in the Beveridge system, ensures that all residents have access to free or low-cost medical care. Funded by the government through taxes, this system has been a pillar of Italian society, providing equitable healthcare services across the nation. However, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities within this system, prompting a substantial rethinking of healthcare delivery in Italy. As part of its post-pandemic recovery strategy, Italy is set to invest approximately €15.6 billion from the European Union’s Reconstruction and Resilience Facility (RRF) into modernizing its healthcare infrastructure. A significant portion of this investment—around €7 billion—is aimed at preventing unnecessary hospitalizations, a lesson painfully learned during the pandemic when the mixing of COVID-19 patients with those suffering from chronic illnesses led to a sharp increase in infections. To address these challenges, Italy is embracing telehealth and digital tools for real-time remote care. These technologies are particularly crucial in supporting the elderly and those with disabilities as they enable them to maintain autonomy by receiving care at home. This shift not only enhances patient outcomes but also alleviates the strain on hospitals by reducing the need for inpatient care. A central component of this digital overhaul is the expansion of the fascicolo sanitario elettronico, Italy’s electronic patient file system. The government plans to centralize health records on interoperable platforms, replacing the current fragmented regional systems. This move, supported by a €300 million investment in technical infrastructure and IT systems, will enhance the monitoring, simulation, and forecasting capabilities of the healthcare system. In addition to digital advancements, Italy is also focusing on bolstering its biomedical research sector.